SEMA eNews Vol. 19, No. 31, August 4, 2016

SEMA Data Co-op Looks Toward Next Phase, Leadership Transition

In less than five years since it was conceived, the SDC has grown to be the largest openly accessible product database in the industry, serving tens of thousands of retail, wholesale and online business locations with over 470 industry brands participating.

During this time, an expert team has been developed to provide member recruitment, services, development and support.

“Our aims have been ambitious,” said Jon Wyly, CEO, “but we have reached and exceeded our startup goals, and are now ready to move into the next phase of our member-focused strategy. My initial commitment was to spend 5 years building this SEMA benefit, and with the support of a great team, I can now comfortably turn over the helm to an experienced staff that will continue to grow and improve this important operation.”

Wyly will stay on through the first quarter of 2017 to guide the transition, at which time Craig Schmutzler will take over daily operational responsibilities as the VP of Operations, reporting to Mike Spagnola at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

Schmutzler, who joined the SEMA Data Co-op in September of 2014, is an operations and customer-service professional with past roles at Keystone Automotive and Arrow Speed Warehouse.

“Under Jon’s guidance, the SDC has become the industry’s go-to data repository that houses over 50,000,000 live vehicle applications and nearly 4 million skus,” said SEMA CEO Chris Kersting. “Craig brings some great experience to guide SDC operations and we look forward to building on our success and helping our members grow sales.”

Bob Castle, who joined the SDC early on, will be transitioning out at the end of August. Until that time, he will be working with Stephanie Jones to take over eBusiness and I.T. responsibilities as the new Director of eBusiness.

Jim Graven will continue to oversee Membership efforts, while assuming more direct responsibility for marketing and events coordination as Senior Director of Membership.

“It’s been a pleasure to have been involved in the creation of this vital industry service.” Commented Wyly, “and I am pleased to be able to leave the business in such capable hands.”